Veterinary Medical Terminology: Horse Sense

A set of flashcards covering key terminology related to horses as presented in the Veterinary Medical Terminology lecture notes.

Equus caballus

The scientific name for horses.

Equus asinus

The scientific name for donkeys.

Mule

A hybrid resulting from the cross of a female horse and a male donkey.

Hand

A unit of measure for the height of a horse, equal to 4 inches.

Draft horse

A horse usually over 17 hands tall.

Miniature horse

A horse usually less than 8.2 hands tall.

Gallop

A fast four-beat gait of horses.

Laminitis

Inflammation of the sensitive laminae under the hoof, also known as founder.

Cribbing

A vice in which a horse grasps an object between its teeth and applies pressure.

Farrier

A person who cares for the feet of equines.

Equitation

The art or practice of riding horses.

Gymkhana

A competitive event featuring a series of timed horse-riding games.

Twitch

A device used for the restraint of horses by twisting on the upper lip or muzzle.

Equine influenza

A viral infection affecting horses, often requiring vaccination.

Flehmen response

A behavior in horses where they curl their upper lip to better sense odors.